Bundaberg biorefinery generates jobs and green energy

20 September, 2017 –A new $18 million biorefinery project in Bundaberg will generate more than 30 local jobs and position the region as an emerging biotechnology location.

Queensland-based biohub developer, Utilitas, is looking at converting waste from the Bundaberg Rum Distillery into green electricity, for return to the distillery, and biocrude.

Over the longer term the biorefinery could produce biofuels for potential use by the Bundaberg Regional Council, regional industry and future export markets.

Additional refining processes could lead to value‑adding bioproducts, including potentially bioplastics for the horticultural industry, to reduce and replace traditional plastic film use.

The Palaszczuk Government is supporting this project for the jobs and business opportunities it will generate locally, and the contribution it makes towards achieving our vision for a $1 billion sustainable, export‑oriented biotechnology and bioproducts sector.

The Bundaberg project is one of the biofutures projects supported by the Palaszczuk Government’s $4 million Biofutures Acceleration Program, generating more than 330 jobs across regional Queensland.

The Queensland Government’s Biofutures Acceleration Program (BAP) aims to attract and support development of new or expanded commercial-scale biorefinery projects in Queensland. The biofutures sector focuses on developing and manufacturing products from sustainable organic and/or waste resources, rather than fossil fuels.